The resolution declares an emergency regarding the need to amend the Rental Housing Act of 1985 to limit rent adjustments for rent-stabilized units in the District of Columbia. It outlines the history of rent increases in these units, noting that significant increases have occurred in recent years, including an 8.9% increase approved in January 2023, which is the highest in the history of the District's rent stabilization program. The resolution highlights concerns from both landlords and tenants, with landlords citing rising maintenance costs and tenants fearing displacement due to increased rents.

In response to these concerns, the Council has previously passed legislation to mitigate displacement risks and preserve affordable housing, including setting caps on rent increases for certain vulnerable populations. The current temporary legislation is set to expire on January 12, 2025, prompting the need for emergency legislation to continue protections for tenants and maintain the annual and cumulative caps on rent increases. The resolution emphasizes the urgency of adopting the Rent Stabilized Housing Inflation Protection Continuation Emergency Amendment Act of 2025 to ensure ongoing support for tenants in rent-stabilized units.